‘Victory’ as Türkiye cancels major coal plant expansion ahead of COP31

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: A Turkish court has cancelled the expansion of the Afşin-Elbistan A coal power plant, after residents and Greenpeace Türkiye challenged the project over risks to health, water resources, agriculture and ecosystems
• Environmental groups called the decision a major victory, but warned that Türkiye still lacks a national coal phaseout plan

🔭 The context: Türkiye has significantly reduced its pipeline of new coal projects, with the cancellation of Afşin-Elbistan marking a 97% cancellation rate for proposed coal capacity since 2015
• However, coal remains a major part of the country’s energy mix, and another 1,050 MW expansion project was announced in June ahead of Türkiye’s role hosting COP31

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Türkiye’s energy choices would influence global climate efforts, particularly as it prepares to host international climate negotiations
• A shift from coal toward renewables could reduce emissions, improve air quality and support a just transition for coal-dependent communities

⏭️ What’s next: Pressure is growing on Türkiye to publish a clear coal phaseout roadmap, align energy policy with its climate commitments and redirect support toward renewable energy, grid upgrades and workforce transition programmes

💬 One quote: “Now it is time to ensure the closure of all existing coal power plants through a fair transition process that protects both people and nature.” – Mehmet Dalkanat, Afşin Elbistan Life and Nature Protection Platform

📈 One stat: Türkiye’s proposed coal project pipeline has fallen by 97% since 2015, from 95 planned units representing 57.5 GW to only two active proposals

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